Another school shooting. Children and adults dead. The epidemic of gun violence continues. Here again are some resources on talking with children about shootings, something no parent should need, but that too many of us sadly do.
First, let me say that my heart today is with the victims at the Covenant School and their families and friends; my actions are to keep urging my legislators about the need for gun control and to vote with this in mind. I very recently met people from the Nashville area during my experience with Nissan; while I do not know if they had any connection to the victims, I nevertheless want to extend my sympathies to them all. While the tragedy first and foremost impacts the victims and their immediate families and community, its effect ripples outward.
I must also note: It seems from many news reports that the perpetrator may have been transgender. That should not cast any doubt on the mental health of other trans people, or on the right to life, dignity, and equality that trans people, like all others, deserve. Most of the perpetrators of mass shootings are White, cisgender men, but we do not extrapolate to cast doubt on the capacities or rights of other White, cisgender men. If a trans person violates the law, they should be brought to justice like anyone else, but no other trans person should suffer for it.
For those looking for ways to help children process their feelings around this latest shooting or around ongoing active shooter drills in their schools:
- Sesame Street offers resources on Community & Gun Violence for children and families.
- A Kids Company About is making their A Kids Book About School Shootings downloadable for free. Written by a survivor of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, it is aimed at ages 5 to 9.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics explains “How to Talk With Kids About Tragedies & Other Traumatic News Events.”
- The American Psychological Association shares ideas for “Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting.”
- Everytown offers some “general information and coping tips” on “Children’s Responses to Trauma.”
Additionally, the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1.800.985.5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline with immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
If you wish to take action against gun violence, Everytown for Gun Safety is one place to start—or contact your members of Congress directly. If you live in Tennessee, you may also wish to contact Governor Bill Lee (R).